tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7651316051172292732024-03-15T18:10:59.485-07:00Love God and OthersRandy Kirkhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07187149342560881341noreply@blogger.comBlogger871125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-74982209312914457232023-10-18T20:06:00.002-07:002023-10-18T20:08:16.523-07:00BLUEBIRDS AND SQUIRRELS AND THE GOODNESS OF THE LORD<p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7gYDcb70I0DEvyDZ4HRPpyZ9UC0xbB2bNUqJqMna614MFVaOb3cHGJ-jQ7Y5oG98IUxFhaP5JBFh70b761EpZxC1u5X1-JmrwP5nniCUhPV-xGSlJMLCB9wmFb-Znt_8v-k-doQi4RJkp5ZWJnth3qVeiGbXgJp5RDL-QkPVzXPqC82xUnDEbW358tk/s1984/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.31.13%20PM.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="584" data-original-width="1984" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-7gYDcb70I0DEvyDZ4HRPpyZ9UC0xbB2bNUqJqMna614MFVaOb3cHGJ-jQ7Y5oG98IUxFhaP5JBFh70b761EpZxC1u5X1-JmrwP5nniCUhPV-xGSlJMLCB9wmFb-Znt_8v-k-doQi4RJkp5ZWJnth3qVeiGbXgJp5RDL-QkPVzXPqC82xUnDEbW358tk/w579-h171/Screen%20Shot%202023-10-18%20at%2010.31.13%20PM.png" width="579" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><br /></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p1" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 0px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? Which of you, by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?”</span></p><p class="p2" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 12px 115.8px; text-indent: -15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Matthew 6:26-27)</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVxB1MxiDZU1poK2AXvqB4WIsPrj2kQ1iGDqLJIC_aq05dI12nU3MOuALktrE152wPhzb1p-fCdvG6XVqoTuLHYsglsMVL3vzQqpLwizDIGi4EFyJ4KExq8lPb1JKGO-VOKJhmfSzb-rGSI_9J5ynbBjzDQ3N2rR0CNmCV9vxsesnM2ZgMU-7hThkubk/s4199/LARGE_BLUEBIRDS_shutterstock_1147941896.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3008" data-original-width="4199" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTVxB1MxiDZU1poK2AXvqB4WIsPrj2kQ1iGDqLJIC_aq05dI12nU3MOuALktrE152wPhzb1p-fCdvG6XVqoTuLHYsglsMVL3vzQqpLwizDIGi4EFyJ4KExq8lPb1JKGO-VOKJhmfSzb-rGSI_9J5ynbBjzDQ3N2rR0CNmCV9vxsesnM2ZgMU-7hThkubk/w400-h286/LARGE_BLUEBIRDS_shutterstock_1147941896.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="text-indent: 28.8px;">For many summers, we had a nesting pair of birds that took up residence in the large Purple Martin house in our backyard. The Great Crested Flycatchers faithfully returned each year. We knew they had arrived when we heard them in the trees. If they thought I was watching, they would fly away.</span><span class="Apple-converted-space" style="text-indent: 28.8px;"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Toward the end of summer, when the babies had fledged, the squirrels would move in and stay. When I took the Purple Martin house down at the end of the summer two summers ago, I found a large hole in the middle. The squirrels had remodeled the interior, and the flycatchers had enjoyed a mansion for a home.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I replaced it with a bluebird house the following spring. I wasn’t sure if we would attract any bluebirds. When I saw a scout checking it out a few weeks later, I thought we might get lucky. After all, the birdhouse sits on prime real estate, like Park Place on the Monopoly board with a bird’s eye view of our pool; a canopy of honeysuckles, red tips, and water oak; and a small flower garden of shrimp plants, milkweed, and philodendrons. Much to my delight, the nesting pair parented multiple broods</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">This year, I took a peek inside the house. I knew I should buy a new one. Only a plastic bag tie secured the warped base, but I was busy and forgot about it.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Soon bluebirds arrived and began building their nest. I watched them carry leaves, moss, and twigs into the hole. A few weeks later, I heard the faint sounds of babies. I was excited to watch the back-and-forth ritual of the parents feeding them. However, when a few days passed, and I didn’t hear or see them, I became concerned. I looked around the front yard for any dead bluebirds.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I gave up the search when I saw the mother and father working on the nest again. They appeared to be undertaking a rebuilding project. Something must have gone awry, and they had started over.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Several days later, I went out for my daily swim. When I glanced at the wooden house, two beady eyes stared out of the dark hole. They were much too big to be a bluebird. Surprised, I examined it and noticed the enlarged opening. It was big enough for one determined squirrel to squeeze into, though it was a tight fit. The squirrel had usurped the bluebirds and now considered it her home.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I would have laughed if I hadn’t seen the birds bringing in nesting material the day before. But what could I do? I got in the pool, distracted and concerned. Was the squirrel sitting on the eggs, or worse, smothering the babies?</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">After a while, I watched the male and female bluebirds fly to their nest. Suddenly, they halted their approach and flew over to a tree. They appeared to have no idea a squirrel was inside their quarters. I was upset because the squirrel had the entire canopy to build a nest.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I climbed out of the pool, grabbed the pole I used to skim the water, and angled it up to the birdhouse. The squirrel jumped out like he had been stung by a hornet. Wild eyes flashed as she scrambled past me, jumped from the fence into the thicket, and scurried off faster than a startled fish.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">My job accomplished, I dipped back into the pool and swam to the far end. I hoped to see the bluebirds reclaim their territory, but they didn’t return. Perhaps they were waiting for me to leave. It was getting dark anyway, so I got out, dried off, and went back inside to change.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then I heard my daughter, Joy, scream, “Mamma, the bluebird house fell over.”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">“What?”</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I ran out of the door. The box was partially burst open and lying on the ground. The squirrel must have broken the plastic tie scrambling out of the hole. Some nesting material had dislodged from the sides where the wooden boards had separated. I peered through the opening, searching for baby birds or eggs, but to my dismay, two baby squirrels were inside. I did a double-take because I expected to see birds. They were tiny with no hair and couldn’t have been more than a few days old.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Would the mother return? How could the squirrel have been using the birdhouse? The baby squirrels didn’t appear to be hurt. At least they were moving around a little, as much as babies with closed eyes can.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The nesting debris had cushioned the fall, though I wondered how so much “stuff” could fit into such a small space. We needed to figure out how to remount the birdhouse on the post. The base of it had rotted, and there was nothing to which we could mount it. I did manage to push the sides of the box back together.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I set the house on the table by the pool and went to the garage to find something we could use. Joy later told me she saw the mother squirrel return and leave. That was a good sign. I hoped that she would come back. I found a roll of sticky blue tape that we had used to cover the windows during the last hurricane season. We could use a screw to latch it on the post and run the tape around the sides and underneath it.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Joy and I climbed on top of the wooden fence and took turns pulling off tape and wrapping it like a Band-Aid. When we finished, it was nighttime, and we went back inside to watch.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">A bluebird arrived immediately, but he refused to go in. He just sat outside the opening. We grew tired of watching the perched bird, and he was half-hidden in the trees anyway. I went to bed thinking about baby squirrels and feeling guilty for my part in the disaster. I wondered what I would do if the mother squirrel did not return.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next day I kept an eye out for her, but the birdhouse just baked in the sun with no squirrel in sight. By late afternoon I had to do something. I took Joy to the gym and visited a friend who cared for orphaned animals.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I asked her if she would take the squirrels if I brought them to her. She reassured me she would. I ran home, climbed on the railing again, and brought the box down. I set it on the table and looked inside, but to my dismay, it was empty.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">My friend said the mother might have returned that night or early in the morning. She explained that squirrels make several nests, so if ants overrun one nest or she is scared off, she has another one for nesting.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I still felt sorry for the bluebirds. I went to the store and bought a brand-new bluebird house that a determined squirrel couldn’t gnaw through. My neighbor came over later that evening and anchored it so it couldn’t get knocked over again. My biggest regret was that I didn’t do it sooner.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sometimes God paints pictures of life lessons that can have many meanings. I would have doubted my ability to raise a family if I were a bluebird. Would I even have the desire to try a third time?</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">If I were a squirrel, I would have learned it doesn’t pay to steal someone else’s home. I needed to build my own.</span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">But God had a different message for me—things may not always be as they appear. While I was expecting bluebirds, God delivered squirrels.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">How many times have I been so sure of myself only to find out later I was wrong? And maybe, just maybe, God wanted me to dive into the pool, enjoy a swim, and let Him take care of the bluebirds and the squirrels. God loves those little critters more than I do.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p3" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Despite my human limitations, I find joy in seeing the “Goodness of the Lord” in my backyard, all around me, and in the little things of life that are easy to disregard or ignore.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p class="p4" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 72px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><i style="text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">PRAYER; Please help us, Jesus, to see more of You in the Kingdom of God. Help us to rest, swim, and appreciate the fullness of Your Goodness here as we anticipate what You have planned for us in Your Eternal Kingdom.</span></i></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 72px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><i style="text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 72px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><i style="text-indent: 28.8px;"></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N58E2axbnMZrBUP75fM3Mdqf7fgKlRuxvCkJGKG8Ta__VC88arelbLvgUT9Zi_ABc_GUgdcHgk9Q0AxEiVYcNBm5U01fkJx_TVqlNq8C69Mw9ZDnxX8gQllsj5F2T3AR9pS6CVYU58Hs28-jGZKYUtsG5heOG35plz0n2XILYa8sl6VzXEH2XZsT03A/s1080/God's%20Good%20Works%20All%20Author.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="771" data-original-width="1080" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N58E2axbnMZrBUP75fM3Mdqf7fgKlRuxvCkJGKG8Ta__VC88arelbLvgUT9Zi_ABc_GUgdcHgk9Q0AxEiVYcNBm5U01fkJx_TVqlNq8C69Mw9ZDnxX8gQllsj5F2T3AR9pS6CVYU58Hs28-jGZKYUtsG5heOG35plz0n2XILYa8sl6VzXEH2XZsT03A/w432-h307/God's%20Good%20Works%20All%20Author.jpg" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p class="p6" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 72px; text-indent: 28.8px;"><i style="text-indent: 28.8px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">FOR A SHORT TIME, YOU CAN RECEIVE FOR FREE 15 DEVOTIONAL BOOKS BY A DOZEN AUTHORS, INCLUDING "GOD'S GOOD WORKS: STORIES TO TREASURE AND TALES TO PONDER," FROM WHICH THE ABOVE BLOG POST WAS TAKEN. <a href="https://books.bookfunnel.com/transformationaldevos/kqlinpwtim" target="_blank">ALL YOU HAVE TO DO IS CLICK HERE.</a></span></i></p>Lorilyn Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397365249052526720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-12218693892199779672023-09-15T10:48:00.004-07:002023-09-16T16:25:10.398-07:00MOTHER TIME<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzcgdUSgz2jvRbqGnO4vYeJdBX_LFGNt-fcuKjhcGgb7k_i1dKMZMor5tndBJvqH-nnse9j6DN_WQImF2PSSklBB506YayaHc3qCPejL7o-Mw2by2BE1g9LXApnAkecH2mD2ZDu84QLZzL5jdNdBBlAuLgcLX1XCtBG7v9yS0JhhdYhPjuujhzP1iakY/s1920/nature-3048299_1920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1271" data-original-width="1920" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpzcgdUSgz2jvRbqGnO4vYeJdBX_LFGNt-fcuKjhcGgb7k_i1dKMZMor5tndBJvqH-nnse9j6DN_WQImF2PSSklBB506YayaHc3qCPejL7o-Mw2by2BE1g9LXApnAkecH2mD2ZDu84QLZzL5jdNdBBlAuLgcLX1XCtBG7v9yS0JhhdYhPjuujhzP1iakY/w400-h265/nature-3048299_1920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><span style="font-size: large;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">MOTHER TIME</div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">by Lorilyn Roberts</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Someone once said</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old is</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you can’t find your glasses</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you receive your invitation to join AARP</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you cash your first Social Security check</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you kiss your first grandchild</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you apply for Medicare</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you need a knee replacement</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you forget how old you are</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When your family won’t let you renew your driver’s license</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When you’ve had more colonoscopies than you can count</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When your teeth fall out</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">But</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I say</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Old is</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">When I no longer find beauty in God’s creation</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I forget to say thank you</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bitterness consumes me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Children bother me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">People annoy me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Animals shun me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Morning, noon, and night I complain</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I think I am always right</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I no longer pray</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">read my Bible</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">or care</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">about</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Dear Lord<br />Before I am old</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spare my friends</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My family</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">My children</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Call me home</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I may</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Not</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Shame</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">You</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Help me</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">To stay young</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">With</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bonds that never break<br />Belly ache laughter</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Compassion like Jesus</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creativity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hope that endures</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Charity</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Forgiveness times seventy</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Sacrifice beyond measure</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Love for You</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">As ageless as</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mother Time</span></div>Lorilyn Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03397365249052526720noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-58341389418569748432023-09-08T04:00:00.003-07:002023-09-16T16:26:00.948-07:00PRAYING PSALM TWENTY-THREE<p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8Vqz55v9m2rTkp_ghBcFmD6t0qv2EDSODWjy5oHtQU_OKmZ-pgkBkxzWA6bGzEgHUpitQSL9c7g-mD9BK3tse7dB5gYeh42ImofVdhdBta28XXDzs3b_LDOCT4Hxrxc8gPN13dJLJiI7XZXFtLz-sGs9M9OAX1oQHVlMzpQmr0TAX_cAxE65m90VFEo/s1000/shutterstock_85819045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji8Vqz55v9m2rTkp_ghBcFmD6t0qv2EDSODWjy5oHtQU_OKmZ-pgkBkxzWA6bGzEgHUpitQSL9c7g-mD9BK3tse7dB5gYeh42ImofVdhdBta28XXDzs3b_LDOCT4Hxrxc8gPN13dJLJiI7XZXFtLz-sGs9M9OAX1oQHVlMzpQmr0TAX_cAxE65m90VFEo/w400-h266/shutterstock_85819045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Oh, Lord, you are my Shepherd!</span></span></div></div></div><p></p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">You provide me with all that I need when I need it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">You provide the right places for me to rest.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">You lead me away from troubled paths, and when I need to travel on
them anyway, you give me strength and courage to walk in ways that bring You
honor and glory.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">As my Shepherd, you never leave or forsake me; You are right by my
side every second, and so, even in the darkest times, I will not fear.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">With Your loving discipline, you protect, comfort, and keep me on the right path.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Right before my enemies, You provide for me, abundantly
anointing my head with oil and filling my cup with overflowing blessings.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">I know, Lord, wherever I go, for the remainder of my life, You
will chase me with Your goodness and love until I see You face to face, and I
will live with You forever in Your Kingdom!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">AMEN! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-36165823064000776562023-09-01T04:00:00.001-07:002023-09-01T04:00:00.159-07:00 LONGING FOR HOME<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjLdgTxgY-pmBHrLi9Dy2AqSUPQv2DP--6yGxlOgBIbxxGzgE5ckUNEWCZfMiv3YBAB0LrSS1X-Ay7WJjuUi5XBan890DXnnNR5bByDnLa0IAH6lUKNzGQ9FmQXFumc-YPWbG2rKxGM1AXCKz3-cT7xHxgyId9-rAeNtgz77FzUinGdDVrgmHqNggTllI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1254" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjLdgTxgY-pmBHrLi9Dy2AqSUPQv2DP--6yGxlOgBIbxxGzgE5ckUNEWCZfMiv3YBAB0LrSS1X-Ay7WJjuUi5XBan890DXnnNR5bByDnLa0IAH6lUKNzGQ9FmQXFumc-YPWbG2rKxGM1AXCKz3-cT7xHxgyId9-rAeNtgz77FzUinGdDVrgmHqNggTllI" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Have you ever taken a trip, and while away, you couldn't wait to
return home? Why do we get homesick? It's because life away
is not the same as life at home; there are too many things away from home that
do not meet the standards we are used to.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">As Christians, living here on earth is not easy; it's a constant
reminder that we are strangers here. We long for our real home: a city
whose Founder and Maker is God. Although we've never been there, we long for it
because, through the Scriptures, we know what it's like. It is beautiful with streets
of gold; there'll be no more sorrow, death, crying, pain, or sin; God will wipe away all
tears, and we will forever be with Him and each other (see Revelation 21:2-4).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Compared to our eternal home, this world is full of evil; we
are sick of rotten politics, destruction, wickedness, crimes, and nations
spying on each other and always wanting to be one step ahead. This world has so
much sickness, poverty, homelessness, and death; it is heartbreaking. No wonder
we yearn to be home where things will be different.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">We long for home; we long to leave this wicked and toxic world
behind. The devil is causing so much havoc! He's causing people to do his
bidding in various ways: Mass shootings, child trafficking, children killing each other, online
scamming, etc. Why should a six-year-old have access to a gun, bring it to
school and shoot a teacher? Doesn't it make you sick to your stomach? No wonder
we are longing for and waiting to leave this world for a better one whose
gates will never need to close because we'll have no fear of intruders.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">For now, we continue to long for home; we are waiting for Jesus,
our Savior, to come and usher us home into the presence of our loving Father, who will wipe all our tears away. Oh, what a day that will be!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Dear reader, do you feel what I feel? Are you sick and tired of
this world? Are you yearning for home, and if so, where is home? To break free
from this ugly world, ensure you have a personal relationship with God through
Jesus, who took your sin and judgment on Himself when He went to the cross. You must repent of your sins; the Bible says we have all sinned
(Romans 3:23). Ask God for forgiveness based on Jesus' sacrifice on your
behalf. He will accept you and put His Holy Spirit in your heart as evidence
that you're His child.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Until He returns to take you home, read your Bible and, pray daily,
obey His Word. And join a local
Bible-believing church for baptism, fellowship, and growth in your relationship
with God. God loves us very much and is waiting to receive us unto Himself;
anytime someone believes, He rejoices. He yearns for us to go to Him as much as
we long to go there.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On the other hand, if you love this world so much and don't care
to make any changes, I suggest you reconsider because if you miss heaven,
the only other place available is HELL. I wouldn't wish that place on my
worst enemy because the suffering will never end, and it will be too late to
change your mind; once you're there, you are there to stay for all eternity.
Please think about it. Jesus died, so you don't have to go to hell. It will make
no sense to pay a debt that has already been fully paid. I hope to see you in
heaven someday, where we can worship the King of kings and the Lord of lords
together.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-77455157712434691912023-08-25T04:00:00.011-07:002023-09-16T16:28:34.718-07:00RSVP<b></b><b></b><p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1su16GEiyE892WvSKxMgxu7MULcHKJPh1eFD7MiwSdh1vmVrQTUfSJSij7JOsjY8oCg1RLtB0kyVi6HP55BIVdfiGxMuDG1HflESlnKerWAnlfzQq0Qkx74HZlYUa8whe0P9xDwYpV_S4JIIwfiEaRppGgIGQrRk4xDnYnUYp4K6kBSoJe8baV6y3n2Y/s1280/dove-4241708_1280.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1280" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1su16GEiyE892WvSKxMgxu7MULcHKJPh1eFD7MiwSdh1vmVrQTUfSJSij7JOsjY8oCg1RLtB0kyVi6HP55BIVdfiGxMuDG1HflESlnKerWAnlfzQq0Qkx74HZlYUa8whe0P9xDwYpV_S4JIIwfiEaRppGgIGQrRk4xDnYnUYp4K6kBSoJe8baV6y3n2Y/w400-h200/dove-4241708_1280.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></b></div><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></b><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b>RSVP </b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">means, please respond. RSVP requests usually accompany invitations because hosts and hostesses like to know how many people will attend an event. After all, every host or hostess wants enough food
and supplies during a party. They want to be adequately prepared for the event. Therefore, guests planning to attend an event are usually requested to make their
intentions known by calling a given number or returning a slip or postcard
provided to a provided address. </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Everybody, you included, has been
invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb, Jesus Christ (Rev 19:9). Like all well-planned social events, this event must be responded to. The invitation to
this wedding supper reads: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only
Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John
3:16). </span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There are three possible
responses to this invitation, each with eternal implications.</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.6in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .6in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You could
respond: “Not interested.” “Don’t believe it.” “I am just fine.” Based on the wording of the invitation, you
have elected to perish.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.6in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .6in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Or you could
respond: “Yes, I will go; I will respond after taking care of XY and Z.” If
procrastination goes on long enough, the opportunity to respond will be lost, putting
you in the “not interested” status.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.6in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .6in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 14pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 14pt;">But you could
respond: “Yes, I want to attend the supper; I am responding right now because
today is the day of salvation!” “Dear God, thank you for the gift of your dear
Son, Jesus Christ, who paid the penalty for my sins. I now accept Him as my Lord
and Savior, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Your RSVP will be immediately
received in heaven, and your name will be recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. On the
day of the wedding supper, you will be escorted into the banquet hall to enjoy fine
dining and fellowship with the Lamb (groom) and the bride (the Church of which
you are part).</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Note that no one can show up
with an excuse of; “I meant to RSVP but forgot or I was too busy to respond. The
groom’s response to people with excuses will be, “I tell you the truth, I don’t
know you” (Matthew 25:12). </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">It is also important to note
that each individual has to RSVP for themselves. There will be no RSVP for couples, families,
Churches, friends, or any kind of group. This is an invitation to all, but group
responses are unacceptable; each individual has to respond for themselves,
“Whosoever will may come” (Revelation 22:17). </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, dear reader, how will you respond to this invitation? I hope you will say “Yes,” please say
it now before it is too late. God loves you but will not force you to
accept this essential invitation. Anyone you know (parent, sibling,
friend, or spouse) who received this invitation could not and did not include
you on their RSVP. Speak for yourself today! <o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-40801364976093017392023-08-19T10:00:00.005-07:002023-09-16T16:29:11.936-07:00YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR NOT KNOWING GOD<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNYgjgy3q4b85wRYsKuH5_1_vTVXgozVgFNbewM4505DLpKb_GH7lknFLkOAOivFqZyuGwCX1RgmxPuiUOULgG8jKVDGlHtkOCQMLkc0yRQ7afhKxCaFobqN8fgMZadsEGPkvZuip1Dk4L_yi9_7st3C67QGeFfT4cZLmbNEL3xl1SMKLcECBtasQZjg/s6015/Reading_LARGE_shutterstock_1095010613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3412" data-original-width="6015" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuNYgjgy3q4b85wRYsKuH5_1_vTVXgozVgFNbewM4505DLpKb_GH7lknFLkOAOivFqZyuGwCX1RgmxPuiUOULgG8jKVDGlHtkOCQMLkc0yRQ7afhKxCaFobqN8fgMZadsEGPkvZuip1Dk4L_yi9_7st3C67QGeFfT4cZLmbNEL3xl1SMKLcECBtasQZjg/w400-h228/Reading_LARGE_shutterstock_1095010613.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God is the
Creator of the universe; He called it into existence when out of nothing, He
said, "Let there be light,"; "a space between the waters of the heavens from
the waters of the earth,"; … "Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each
producing offspring of the same kind" (Genesis 1:3; 6; 9; 11; 14;15;20; 22;
24). After that, He created human beings (a man and a woman) in His image to
be like Him (them-the Trinity), with the plan for them to multiply, fill the
earth, and govern it (see Genesis 1:26-28). After creation, God
looked at His handiwork and was satisfied because He saw it was perfect (see Genesis 1:31).</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Adam and Eve
knew God personally; He visited with them every evening until they sinned. So, they
knew He created the world He had charged them to govern. Being their offspring, we have that knowledge inherent in us, and the Bible, talking about people, says: "They
know the truth about God because he has made it obvious to them. People have seen the earth and sky since the world was created. Through everything
God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities-his eternal power, and
divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God" (Romans 1:19-20).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Why do
people convince themselves and others that there's no God when they
have so much evidence proving otherwise? If they admit
He exists, they'd have to obey Him, which they don't want to do. In
short, they don't want to be accountable to Him; they like to do whatever, whenever,
and however they want. Unfortunately for them, what they choose to believe won't
get them off the hook. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">So, Dear
Reader, do you know God, and if you do, what does He mean to you? What
difference has that knowledge made in your life? On the other hand, you are
probably one of the people who claim there is no God. And the reason you claim
there's no God is so you don't have to honor or obey Him. Look deep into your
heart, and ask yourself where you came from. Deep down, you know God exists; the
Bible is true and says God Has already put that knowledge in your heart. Dear
Reader, you have no excuse for rejecting God or His Word; He created you in His
image and loves you. He has sacrificed His Son, Jesus, to pay for your sin of
rejection and rebellion, so He can have an ongoing relationship with you.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Stop pretending
and lying to yourself that there's no God. If you don't like the dinner served,
will pretending there's nothing to eat take away your hunger? Of course not! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Claiming
there's no God will not excuse you from the consequences of not knowing him
personally. We were made to worship; if you don't worship the Creator, you will
worship something else in His place (see Romans 1:21-32). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">Having said
all that, what should one do to affirm their knowledge of God? They should agree
with their hearts that God is the Author and Creator of the world; he is love, holy,
and just, and does not tolerate sin. Humanity has fallen out of favor with God but can be restored by believing in Jesus, the Son of God, who died in our
place. I encourage you to call on Him today and prove that
God exists despite your excuses and is waiting to hear from you. Respond today; the sooner, the better. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-66497757149033859612023-08-11T04:00:00.001-07:002023-08-11T04:00:00.141-07:00 JESUS IS LOOKING FOR YOUR LOST NEIGHBOR<p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXvwBryvOhixmsGflB9-OUHISU2rBZq0Q8ViJ3e9fPn5dRtXuVaBfgGM9jKpHms2URhbSwPIiMRqOKn3bPGoochlhXc0KnjzML_agBDd_NQdqdFD0GbHkQabYZ46aRKAf_JMtRG7LokNqoHS-UCACqN1DsY8yb96TdCXamue-gX7Ue5T9nLlcBWVlPFtQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXvwBryvOhixmsGflB9-OUHISU2rBZq0Q8ViJ3e9fPn5dRtXuVaBfgGM9jKpHms2URhbSwPIiMRqOKn3bPGoochlhXc0KnjzML_agBDd_NQdqdFD0GbHkQabYZ46aRKAf_JMtRG7LokNqoHS-UCACqN1DsY8yb96TdCXamue-gX7Ue5T9nLlcBWVlPFtQ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">You might often find neighborhood posts asking for help finding a lost pet. They
describe the pet, and the owner provides his contact information. Sometimes a
reward is listed. Have you ever seen a homeless pet, and how did that make you
feel? Did you wish you could reunite that pet with its owner?</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus paid a
ransom for you and all mankind, including your neighbor. Your neighbor does not
know or understand that he or she is lost, and if never found and returned to
God, his or her owner, it will lead to eternal separation. On the other
hand, you understand that the stakes are high; you are glad you have
become a child of God by repenting of your sins and putting your faith in
Jesus. Plus, you know and enjoy the benefits of your relationship with
God, like joy, peace, and hope for the future; your neighbor could benefit from
that knowledge. So, what are you going to do about your lost neighbor? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">God has made
all believers, including you, His ambassadors, and is making His appeal through
us; we must ask unbelievers to return to God through Jesus (see 2 Corinthians
5:19-20). What’s stopping you from being an ambassador? Could it be that you
feel ashamed to openly declare that you’re a Christian, are afraid of
persecution, or feel unsure how to present the gospel message? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus’
response to those who feel ashamed is: “If anyone is ashamed of me and my
message, the Son of Man will be ashamed of that person when he returns in His
glory and in the glory of the Father and the holy angels” (Luke 9:26; also Mark
8:38). And if fear is your problem, Paul cautioned Timothy: “God has not given
us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. So
never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord” (2 Peter 1:7-8). If you’re
unsure how to present the gospel, befriend your neighbor, show him love and
respect, and avoid topics that lead to arguments. Pray for him, and as your
friendship grows, you can share what God has done for
you.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Sharing the
gospel is not the time for a lecture. Jesus asked the woman at the well for a
simple favor: “Please give me a drink” (John 4:7). That led to a discussion,
and before she knew it, Jesus had confessed: “I AM the Messiah!” (V 26). The
woman went back home to share her experience, and before she could really think
about it, many from the village had put their trust in Him because of what she
told them (see 39-42). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Jesus is
waiting to welcome your neighbor; He is counting on you to introduce them. Your
neighbor will appreciate knowing what you already know; he or she will
appreciate going home to the Father he or she didn’t even know they had. Stop
procrastinating because time is running out; it could soon be too late for
your neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">And just as
neighborhood posts offer a reward, Jesus promises: “Look, I am coming soon,
bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds”
(Revelation 22:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-75792213705778856622023-08-04T04:00:00.001-07:002023-08-04T04:00:00.143-07:00BE A CONSISTENT CHRISTIAN <p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha1zg2ulLXQgwU3xjgucLgiWMhnAPjksXtZia6ddFXECGRg6jIF4vF2CZavcppdecJUbBVjezDminnmX23pfaPL-d0cy9JUoa79vhO1mCiWze_XqvMTQOUDpTmRBDmrgiiz9MpZ9wxyCibV-fsnWCza0IhBlZmY5jVRqaLWpuDq5mKx6qeKXDdSWIJ2n4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEha1zg2ulLXQgwU3xjgucLgiWMhnAPjksXtZia6ddFXECGRg6jIF4vF2CZavcppdecJUbBVjezDminnmX23pfaPL-d0cy9JUoa79vhO1mCiWze_XqvMTQOUDpTmRBDmrgiiz9MpZ9wxyCibV-fsnWCza0IhBlZmY5jVRqaLWpuDq5mKx6qeKXDdSWIJ2n4" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">I was relieved when we finally bade winter 2009 goodbye. I
was glad to see spring arrive and hoped it would get warmer. But
even after spring</span><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">had been
around for a few weeks, it did not warm up consistently with
time. Instead, the warm kept alternating with the cold. I tried not
to turn on the heat, but finally, when I couldn't take it any longer, I did;
the house was too cold. I gave in and turned it on: just for one
day. </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">The alternating temperature changes made me miserable, and I
seldom felt appropriately dressed. When I went outside in warm clothes, I
felt too warm, and when I went out dressed in light clothes, I felt too
cold. Why couldn't it get warm and stay warm? Why should I turn
on the heat when it was nearly mid-May? I found it frustrating and vowed
not to complain when it got hot. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This frustrating experience with inconsistent weather reminds me
of how God feels about lukewarm Christians. He told the church
in Laodicea, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I
wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm - neither
hot nor cold - I am about to spit you out of my mouth" (Revelation
3:15-16). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">This indicates that God wants us to walk consistently with
Him and grow daily by being in the Word, doing what it says, and praying
without ceasing. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">With the concept of inconsistency also comes
double-mindedness. James 1:6-8 tells us a double-minded person is unstable
in all he does. We are admonished to believe and not doubt when we ask God
for wisdom. He is the same God who created the world with the Word of His
mouth. God's power is not demonstrated in degrees or
percentages. Power is power! Through it, He healed the sick, raised the
dead, turned water into blood and wine, raised Christ from the dead, and defied
gravity when Jesus ascended into heaven. So, is there anything too hard
for Him? No! Why, then, do we have doubts when we pray? It could be
because we focus on the problem and not on God, and that must change.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">We find it easier to trust God with less complicated issues, but
our faith does not measure up when it comes to overwhelming problems. We
seem to say to God, "I don't know about this. Are you up to this challenge?"
But the truth is,<b> <u>nothing</u></b> is
too hard for the Lord (see Genesis 18:14). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Since nothing is too complicated for Him, we must trust Him completely, in
every instance, and not just some of the time. Regardless of the
circumstances, God can be trusted; He has never failed and is not about to
now. Even when He doesn't respond however we want, it is still for our good.
With faith should come patience and thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">A newborn cries when he/she needs something; he/she does not concern
himself/herself with how the parents will meet that need. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Let's learn from the newborn: ask for everything we need, and
trust that our loving, heavenly Father will provide!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-796084476918704842023-08-01T04:00:00.000-07:002023-08-01T18:12:20.002-07:00MOSES' CONVERSATION WITH GOD AT THE BURNING BUSH--God has an assignment for you. <p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiczoEMzhrMln2GJhY4JdP0oFn7yNRy1GhyA5fN7aWES9TvBSAmFqcs02sHhSGeWidBfAP_I4UoC3RRQi4GhGr6XQkejjaHYLyhDIZZvfBpZn806NLC7iUN7zb3X66UHOEXHttHJPEZ0dwyOIM0fRsBwPKZf_TsLhLwyDg9d4W5hEm3HSVeye8VD8ebVU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiczoEMzhrMln2GJhY4JdP0oFn7yNRy1GhyA5fN7aWES9TvBSAmFqcs02sHhSGeWidBfAP_I4UoC3RRQi4GhGr6XQkejjaHYLyhDIZZvfBpZn806NLC7iUN7zb3X66UHOEXHttHJPEZ0dwyOIM0fRsBwPKZf_TsLhLwyDg9d4W5hEm3HSVeye8VD8ebVU" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Has God ever
given you an assignment you did not want to accept because of fear? Many people
can say yes to this, especially regarding witnessing. We fear ridicule,
the inability to answer questions from our listeners, etc. Moses had escaped
from Egypt because of a murder he had committed there and had no intentions of
returning. But God had an assignment for him there that changed his life
forever. </span><b style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> – Hi, Moses. I have some work for you to do for me. I have
children enslaved in Egypt; they are suffering tremendously. I'd like to
free and relocate them and relieve their suffering. I am giving them their own
land, flowing with milk and honey. I am sending you to the Pharaoh of Egypt;
tell him to let my people go. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> MOSES
– You've got to be joking, Lord! The people won't believe me; they will want to
know your name. I don't even know how to speak; "I've never been eloquent,
neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of
speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">GOD</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> – "Moses, who gave man his mouth? Who makes him deaf or
mute? Who gives him sight or makes him blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now
go! <b>I will</b> <b>help</b> you speak and <b>will teach</b> you what to say"
(V11-12). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">MOSES</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> – Please, Lord, I do not want you to help me
accomplish this task. Please, Lord, don't; just don't get me involved. I came
out of Egypt for a reason; the king has a warrant for my arrest, and I do not
want to be seen in that vicinity. "O Lord, send someone else to do
it" (V13); someone who has a good reputation, is good at this sort of
thing, and is very eloquent. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Humanly
speaking, you might think that this point in this dialogue is when God slaps
Moses! But our God does not operate that way. He encourages, supports, and
accommodates our inadequacies. Amen! Although His anger burned against Moses,
He provided a helper in the person of Aaron, Moses' brother. He said to him,
"<b>I will help both of you</b> speak
and will teach you what to do" (V 15).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">However, if
we overly try His patience, He might direct us to Jonah to discover possible
consequences (see Jonah 1:17). Sometimes, we can be so overwhelmed with
fear that the only thing that will suffice for us is to be far removed from a
situation. But God has said to us many times, "Fear not, for I am with
you" (Joshua 1:9). "I am with you" means "I am with
you." Is anything too hard for Him? Of course not! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">He enables
those He calls, but let us remember it means things could go differently than we
want. If everything went smoothly each time he commissioned us, when would He
get to demonstrate His wisdom, power, and strength? Challenges in our lives are
opportunities for us to witness His greatness. So don't turn down the Lord's
help to accomplish the tasks He calls you to, for He is faithful. </span><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-66119827431111559372023-07-28T04:00:00.004-07:002023-07-28T04:00:00.150-07:00<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFRQRgXm1zE3yqk9I_T1Fo-qgm3uOkVg10yIV7SkO4xvqoDHxipGqOSpwUjYIBRGNIslra7RRhFFg4t4OfvqwUjXMxWo-RxaIaTm6EM-DL0r44tjpL-hO2HbPewpwT_zd6xE0TqSvcgCPNtTSBGONqFSWSPQxZnuA7bCkhH1PKgLSkqiXNnc3cwMnZRSE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="887" data-original-width="1182" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFRQRgXm1zE3yqk9I_T1Fo-qgm3uOkVg10yIV7SkO4xvqoDHxipGqOSpwUjYIBRGNIslra7RRhFFg4t4OfvqwUjXMxWo-RxaIaTm6EM-DL0r44tjpL-hO2HbPewpwT_zd6xE0TqSvcgCPNtTSBGONqFSWSPQxZnuA7bCkhH1PKgLSkqiXNnc3cwMnZRSE" width="320" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">THE PORTABLE
PRISON </span></b><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Did you know
there are personal, invisible prisons that people are in everywhere they go?
They are inside it at work, when they go shopping, to bed, you name a place; they are in it. The saddest part is they don't know they are in prison, let
alone know it is a 24/7 situation. You may be one of those people. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">You might be
wondering: "Am I really in prison? Who jailed me and why? Since when and
for how much longer? What can I do to get out?" All these questions are
very reasonable, especially since you didn't even know you were in prison. Let
us get some answers to these questions. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1. <b>ARE YOU IN PRISON?</b> – Yes, you are!
You feel it, even though you don't see a physical structure around you. Don't
you sometimes wonder why you have no peace, even when everything else seems
okay? Your soul is in prison and wants to break free, but it doesn't know how.
Isaiah 42:7 and 61:1 confirm that people are in prison and captivity, and
Jesus puts it this way: "Everyone who sins is a slave to sin" (John
8:34).<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">2. WHO IMPRISONED YOU</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">? The apostle Paul admonished young
preacher Timothy to instruct unbelievers with the hope that "They will
come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them
captive to do his will" (2 Timothy 2:26). So, now you know who
imprisoned you: it is the devil.<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">WHY ARE YOU IN PRISON</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">? – The devil put you in prison so that
you will do his will. The devil wanted Adam and Eve to disobey God; he lied to
them and got them to do his will. He is still lying to people and getting away
with it (at least for now). People still disobey God because the devil twists
the truth, making a lie attractive to them. Although they are in prison,
he makes them feel like they have the freedom to do whatever they want. The
truth is they have no space. He gives his prisoners only one option: to do evil,
so that is all they can choose. On the other hand, God lays His options on the
table and explains each option's consequences. This approach allows people to
know upfront the implications of their choice.<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">IMPRISONED SINCE WHEN?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> -You became a prisoner when your
fore-parents, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God in the garden by listening to the
devil and his lies. Since then, sin has passed on to all men, "just as sin
entered the world through one man and death through sin, and in this way,
death came to all men" (Romans 5:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">HOW LONG IS YOUR PRISON TERM?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> – You will be in prison until you
discover the truth that sets a person free, which is why this article shows you
the way to freedom. Countless men and women have found their way out by doing
what I am about to tell you. Allow the Son to free you, and you will be free.
(See John 8:36).<b> </b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">THE WAY TO FREEDOM –</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> God<b> </b>sent His Son to die in your place. This is what Jesus said,
"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because He has anointed me to preach
good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim <b>freedom for the prisoners"</b> (Luke 4:18). The Psalmist
knew what it meant to be free, and this is his testimony: "The Lord sets
the prisoners free" (Psalm 146:7). Jesus is the only one who can set you
free, and this is what you must do: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you
will be saved" (Acts 16:31). Confess your sins to Him, ask for His
forgiveness, and ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. This is how you break free
from the devil's camp. Until you take this step, you will continue to be his
prisoner. So don't wait any longer; today is your day of salvation, your day to break free from prison!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-67696381887596056572023-07-21T04:00:00.002-07:002023-09-15T10:52:31.697-07:00THE EXCUSES PEOPLE MAKE<p><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 14pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRcLlgviRYexdFN8fYBcmnyC5AvbUEhY76R0G7rx4PNeW8616f1aK3jP6P3uoe6h7W2q7bQ9fiU51Uum3Eh6vLj7VdCjJdr1n2uFHBa62YV_rJ_SDZnc7s_Hrd5YevX_kmjbcWRIZHkRb2SR86ivtmFj3WyIwJk9CK2pbxYuGJ6-wvo7QGgY-13ab7w0/s1920/blur-1867402_1920.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="1920" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRcLlgviRYexdFN8fYBcmnyC5AvbUEhY76R0G7rx4PNeW8616f1aK3jP6P3uoe6h7W2q7bQ9fiU51Uum3Eh6vLj7VdCjJdr1n2uFHBa62YV_rJ_SDZnc7s_Hrd5YevX_kmjbcWRIZHkRb2SR86ivtmFj3WyIwJk9CK2pbxYuGJ6-wvo7QGgY-13ab7w0/w640-h428/blur-1867402_1920.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br /> </span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 14pt; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">THE EXCUSES PEOPLE MAKE </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Excuses
don’t relieve a person of responsibilities and/or consequences. If a student
says to his teacher, “The dog ate my homework,” the teacher won’t necessarily
give the student a passing grade as if he had turned in his assignment; in
fact, he shouldn’t. If a police officer issues a ticket for a moving violation,
he will not withdraw it just because the driver says, “I have no money; I lost
my job.” He will still be expected to pay the fine, whether or not he has a
job. The point is that excuses do not exempt one from responsibilities or
consequences.</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here are
some of the excuses people make for not believing in Jesus for the forgiveness
of their sins and the Bible’s response to each one: </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">1) <b>There’s no God-</b>
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The heavens
declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the
work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1); “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no
God’” (Psalm 14:1). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">2)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus is not God-</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">At Jesus’ baptism,
God said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew
3:17); “In the beginning was the Word (Jesus), and the Word was with God,
and <b>the Word was God” </b>(John
1:1); “I and the Father are one” (John 10:30). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">3) <b>I am not that bad</b> –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The Lord
looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who
understand, any who seek God. All have turned aside, they have together
become corrupt; <b>there is no one who
does good, not even one” (Psalm 14:2-3). <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">4)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Christians are hypocrites</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> –<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The soul that sins is the one who will die” (Ezekiel 8:4). Christians
might not be doing everything right, but God will still hold you accountable. Christians’ mistakes and failures will not get you off the
hook. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">5)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">There is no life after death</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> – <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“The Lake of Fire is the second death.<b> </b>If anyone’s name was not found written in the Book of Life,
he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14-15).<b> <o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">6)<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></b><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus is not the only way to God</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> – <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name
under heaven given to men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12); “I am the way
and the truth and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me”
(John 14:6). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> 7) I do not believe the Bible is the Word of
God</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> – <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching,
rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">I am sure
there are more excuses out there. Still, no matter what they are, nobody will
be excused for not believing in Jesus because the Bible clearly says, “The
wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”
(Romans 6:23). God does not play favorites and does not accept excuses;
come to Him today, and be saved!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .25in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-84955082223087779772023-07-14T04:00:00.004-07:002023-07-14T04:00:00.143-07:00THE BRIDGE TO SAFETY<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB02nmQ1K-chcfjsjHPWCfzIxm11rJQ6nQm81nAfOlJTLQf4E1zruYv_fyq3UNkRTj4FZ_qQFzh9V4j0cHIg8ASluNl9a2YITboNGyieqY2xxP0x435MDdYl2FPPs-hjIorlCE8Ek8-e74CmibD06ImmyBWa7KFSL979gFq8n59OSGOyws9A0TFvu6pq4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="140" data-original-width="140" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjB02nmQ1K-chcfjsjHPWCfzIxm11rJQ6nQm81nAfOlJTLQf4E1zruYv_fyq3UNkRTj4FZ_qQFzh9V4j0cHIg8ASluNl9a2YITboNGyieqY2xxP0x435MDdYl2FPPs-hjIorlCE8Ek8-e74CmibD06ImmyBWa7KFSL979gFq8n59OSGOyws9A0TFvu6pq4" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Imagine walking through the woods and coming to a river with no bridge. Your path was unsafe, and you needed to move quickly to the other side.
Unfortunately, the river was too deep to wade through, and no canoe or boat was
available to carry you across. Your only solution would be to find a bridge
between the two banks. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The above
analogy is a possible scenario in our physical/natural world. It is also meant
to illustrate the restoration of the relationship between man and God, his
Creator. The Bible clearly shows that man has lost his relationship with
God through sin. So, sin separated God from man; man desperately needs to return to God. God, in His love and mercy, sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to come
and be the bridge man needs to bring him back to God. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Dear reader,
did you know that God loves you? He knew you while you were still in your
mother’s womb before birth and called you to be His own. But do
you also understand that you are a sinner? God knows every sin you’ve ever
committed and will commit in the future. His holy and just nature demands that
He punish you. Still, He loves you so much that He sent Christ to the cross in
your place (see John 3:16). The Bible says: “He wants all men to be saved and
to come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). Jesus is the only way to
get back to God; the Bible says He is the only mediator between God and man
(see 1 Timothy 2:5), and that, “There is no other name under heaven given to
men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If you will
believe in the name of the Lord Jesus, the Bible says you will be saved: “If
you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord’ and believe in your heart that God
raised Him from the dead, you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Don’t delay or
procrastinate; this matter is urgent! Make this decision now, and let the peace
from knowing the truth rule your heart. Here is the assurance you get when you
believe in Jesus: “I write these things to you who believe in the name of the
Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:13). The
Apostle Paul explains it this way: “Therefore, there is no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The bridge
is solid and steady; it will never collapse. Jesus will keep you safe in this
life and in the future. No one can snatch you out of His hands (see John
10:28); He says all power in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew
28:18), and that is the truth!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-78589007473595166672023-07-07T04:00:00.001-07:002023-07-07T04:00:00.143-07:00 STEPS TO SALVATION SPELLED OUT<p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> Jesus told the Jews,
"He who belongs to God hears what God says" (John 8:47).</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The question
then becomes, <b>what does God
say? </b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">The answer: </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">About Jesus, during His baptism, God
said: "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy” (Luke
3:22), and again at Jesus' transfiguration, God announced, "<b>This is my dearly loved Son</b>, who brings
me great joy. <b>Listen to Him</b>"
(Matthew 17:5).<b> </b></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, what does Jesus the Son say</span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> that needs to be heeded?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He says,
"Unless you believe that I AM who I claim to be, you will die in your
sins" (John 8:24). </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Who does He claim to be?</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">He says,
"I am the way, the truth, and the life<b>.
No one comes to the Father except through me"</b> (John<b> </b>14:6).<b> </b> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">We have
finally gotten to the bottom of the issue!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Jesus is the Son of God; He is the only
way to God; therefore, to be saved, one has to believe in Jesus. Amen! </span></b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Please do not argue about the facts or
postpone making this decision. This is your opportunity to get saved. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">If you are
one of those counting on their good deeds or growing up in a church-attending
family, etc. for salvation, you must understand that each person will face God
individually. So, make sure you have personally responded to Jesus' invitation
and your name is written in The Lamb's Book of Life!</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"> </span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-80239865210675025052023-06-30T04:00:00.000-07:002023-06-30T04:00:00.135-07:00 JOINT EFFORT IN FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION <p> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div></div><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">God has
commissioned us, His children, to preach the gospel to the entire world.
However, He does not expect us to figure out how to do it ourselves. He has
given us the tools and resources we need (the Holy Spirit, talents, gifts, the
Bible, each other), including opportunities and the assurance of His very
presence, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age”
(Matthew 28:20). This charge has become known as the Great
Commission. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Here is
God’s primary design for accomplishing the Great Commission: some plant the
seed, others water it, God makes it grow (1 Corinthians 3:6, 9), others bring
in the harvest, and we all rejoice together, including God Himself “So that the
Sower and the reaper may be glad together” (John 4:36-38). “There will be more
rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:7). “There is
rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents”
(Luke 15:10). </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">For us to
accomplish the Great Commission, God has sent us out in different capacities.
He has sent us out:</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Noto Sans Symbols"; font-size: 14pt;">∙</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">As His representatives, to share our faith
through Word and deed with friends, family, and all those He places in our
path. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Noto Sans Symbols"; font-size: 14pt;">∙</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> As missionaries and preachers who sow,
water, and reap the harvest after God has given the increase. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in 14pt 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "Noto Sans Symbols"; font-size: 14pt;">∙</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">On other occasions, our roles alternate
from time to time, based on the opportunities He gives us, which makes each one
of us the person who sows in one instance, the person who waters in the next,
or the person who reaps in another. So, we might not all be at the same place
at the same time, doing the same thing, but God is coordinating our efforts and
making it all work out in a way that gets the job done; it is a joint
venture. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">This is the
framework of the Great Commission; God saves us and commissions us to different
tasks: we go and spread the Word, water it, God gives the increase, and we reap
the harvest. We pray, encourage, support financially, and cheer each other on. The
endpoint will be when we will all celebrate together; we each will have cause
to celebrate because our obedience and efforts (giving, praying, sowing,
watering, and reaping) will have paid off! Mission accomplished! Last but not
least, there will be the awards ceremony in heaven, during which, with the
angels cheering, God the Father will say to each one of us, “Well done, good
and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over
much” (Matthew 25:21). </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Dear friend,
which part are you playing in this endeavor? How diligent have you been?
Remember, it is not our responsibility to make the seed grow; that’s God’s job.
We only need to sow the seed, water it, and reap the harvest when it is ready.
We don’t have to be eloquent or say a lot. All Andrew did was to find Peter,
his brother, and tell him, “We have found the Messiah.’ And brought him to
Jesus (John 1:41b-42). Likewise, Phillip found Nathanael and told him, “We have
found the One Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote-Jesus
of Nazareth, the Son of Joseph” (John 1:45).</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;">So, don’t be
afraid; go ahead and invite someone to Church or to a Bible study; he or she
might come, and coming, might pay attention enough to hear God’s voice. How
about praying and financially supporting the Great Commission? You can do it;
it is rewarding. Try it! </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-78230646830637090812023-06-23T04:00:00.002-07:002023-06-23T04:00:00.150-07:00 ARE YOU AN ATHEIST?<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">An atheist is an individual who
does not believe in the existence of God. Many people claim to be atheists, and
that is their right. Claiming to be an atheist is really a matter of choice; in
other words, atheists choose to believe there is no God. Is their choice based
on research study, experience, or hearsay? </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Bible makes it clear, "In
the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth" (Gen 1:1). If you
claim to be an atheist, who do you think created the world? Have you ever given
any thought to that?</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">The Bible says what may be known
about God is plain to everyone, including you because God has made it so. The
knowledge of His eternal power and divine nature have been available to mankind
since the world's creation. His creation is enough proof that He exists (see
Romans 1:19-20). Nobody will be excused for claiming there is no God. Everybody
must answer to God, no matter what they believe about Him. </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">In addition, the Bible says God's
laws are written on our hearts, and our consciences bear witness to that fact
(Romans 2:15). Are you ignoring your conscience? What do you hope to gain?
Could it be that you wish to be released from accountability? Honestly, there
is nothing to be gained from refusing to acknowledge the existence of God because He will still hold you accountable for your sins. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">God loves you very much; He sent His only Son to die in your place for your sins (see John 3:16); however,
refusing to acknowledge Him indicates that you are turning your back on His
love and forgiveness. God cannot do more for anyone than He has done
through His Son. Consequently, you will have to pay for your sins, but
unfortunately, it will be in hell. Is that what you want? </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">If knowing the consequences of
your unbelief doesn't help you change your mind about His existence, listen to
what the Bible says about your condition. "The fool says in his heart,
'There is no God'" (Psalm 14:1, 3:1). </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face="Calibri, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">You see, only a fool will ignore
warning signs. If you came across a road sign that said, "Caution,
sinkhole ahead," would you continue down that road, or would you make a
U-turn and return to safety? I'd think you would turn around. Remember, God loves
you but will not force you to acknowledge Him. I encourage you to respond to
His love by believing in His Son, Jesus, and asking Him for forgiveness so that
you can escape eternal punishment. Time is running out; do that
today! </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-75104021782570362982023-06-16T04:00:00.002-07:002023-06-18T18:20:19.801-07:00DO YOU REMEMBER WHEN? <p><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">People can
usually recall specific events that mean something special to them, even when
they don’t recall the exact date. They can remember and discuss those days
vividly and meaningfully. These are days like when they first got their driver’s
license, were in an accident, saw a particular movie, went through a bad
snowstorm, or witnessed something terrible or beautiful. The reason for their
ability to recall those incidents is the impact the incidents had on
them. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">One such
event should be the day you believed in the name of Jesus and prayed to be
adopted into the family of God. It is an event that can never be forgotten because it is the day you moved from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom
of light –when you decided to no longer live to serve yourself and the devil but
rather to serve God. That event has synonyms like born-again, reborn,
redemption, salvation, and saved. No matter how referenced, it is an experience
one will never forget. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">So, do you
remember a day like that in your life? I do! Have you ever asked Jesus to
forgive your sins and come into your heart? You will remember if you have. If
you haven’t, it is not too late; you can do that now. Please don’t postpone
making this decision because life is unpredictable; at some point, it will be
too late to make that decision: you could be too sick or even dead. Nobody
knows what tomorrow holds; you might not be able to make this decision later,
and no one else will be able to make it for you. While you could sign a
document that authorizes another person to make medical decisions on your
behalf, that authorization will not apply to where you spend eternity. The best
time is now! Ask God to forgive your sins through the finished work of Jesus
Christ, His Son. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Bible
says we’ve all sinned, and our sins have separated us from God. Since none of
us is capable of paying for our own sins, God sent His own Son in the flesh to
die in our place (see John 3:16). So, the reason Jesus endured such pain,
hostility, anguish, and death was so He could be our sin-bearer and restore our
relationship with God the Father. Jesus already paid the penalty for your sins,
so you don’t have to; you just need to accept it with gratitude. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">When you
make this decision, God will forgive your sins and never again hold them
against you, no matter how horrible. He confirms that by saying, “As far as the
East is from the West, that’s how far He has removed our sins from us” (Psalm
103:12). He will indwell you with His Spirit to give you the assurance of
His love and forgiveness. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The Holy
Spirit will be the deposit that guarantees what awaits you in the future:
eternal life in heaven (see 2 Corinthians 5:5). He will instruct you on daily
living through what you read in the Bible. This is just the beginning of a new
life in Christ. This is where it all starts. Don’t wait for another second; it
is that urgent! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">God loves
you, and there is no better way to express His love for you than what He has
already done, allowing His Son to die in your place. There is no other way for
you to experience His love except through Jesus because He says, “I am the way
and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John
14:6). Make this decision and you will never regret it; you will always
remember it, and always be thankful for the peace, assurance, and hope that
comes with it, even when the world appears to be falling apart. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-87597337902773764322023-06-09T04:00:00.004-07:002023-06-09T04:00:00.132-07:00 THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WAGES and GIFTS<p><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDsvQZVxfJl9LdQc8hMoiml5-hFtE7__vYO02mXEKAmcqmfN_x2MaM6emLhL0lUh8rRg66cnEP1U-M5fYQMFt9SAcAZ4MO4KT2z5uVjRyOlcTKm9g8rK2FV-T7ZzYTQv-QhDwHrh43FUyNL7a5MEe7MzZP_w5wKqt-s7AZHymyzrErEWHxIOjswVD1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="837" data-original-width="1254" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDsvQZVxfJl9LdQc8hMoiml5-hFtE7__vYO02mXEKAmcqmfN_x2MaM6emLhL0lUh8rRg66cnEP1U-M5fYQMFt9SAcAZ4MO4KT2z5uVjRyOlcTKm9g8rK2FV-T7ZzYTQv-QhDwHrh43FUyNL7a5MEe7MzZP_w5wKqt-s7AZHymyzrErEWHxIOjswVD1" width="320" /></a></span></div><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;"><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Wages are payments made by an employer to
an employee for work done, whereas gifts are anything given to another
voluntarily at no cost, with no work involved.</span></span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">The Scriptures
tell us: "The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal
life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Which of these two
appeals to you? Regarding our relationship with God, we can choose which of the two we'd rather have, wages or a gift. We all deserve death (the payment of hell) for our sins because
God's holiness makes it impossible for us to have a relationship with Him.
However, God offered us eternal life (heaven) as a gift, not as payment
for anything good we've done. How could He do that? How can some go to hell and
others to heaven?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Again, the Scriptures say, "This is
how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son so that everyone who
believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). In
other words, Jesus took on the punishment those who believe in Him deserve:
"There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who
does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God's one
and only Son" (John 3:18).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-border-shadow: yes; mso-padding-alt: 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt 31.0pt; mso-pagination: none;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Sin will therefore be
paid for: either by the sinner or the Savior, Jesus. If you'd rather pay for
your own sins, do nothing different from what you are doing now, and in the
end, God will ensure you receive the wages due you (hell). </span><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">P</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: 14pt;">eople sometimes joke about wanting
to go or not minding going to hell, but hell is no joke; it is a place of
torment.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #202124; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Please think it over and choose wisely.
On the other hand, if you want to accept God's free gift and escape hell,
repent and place your faith in Jesus, who died in your place. Please pray the
prayer below:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><i><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">"Dear God, I
know I'm a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is
Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I
want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward.
Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen."</span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Praying this prayer sincerely makes you a
child of God; He has removed your sins from you as far as the east is from the
west (see Psalm 103:12). You are now ready to enjoy the benefits of being His
child. First, He has put His Holy Spirit into your heart as confirmation that
you are his child. He will start communicating with you through the Bible. Read
it, pray daily, and join a local Bible-believing church for
fellowship and growth in your faith.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Make sure you obey what you read, and
before you know it, your new life will be evident to you and others; you'll
begin to hate what's evil and love what is right (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Seek
opportunities to share your new life with others, so they may also come to
understand and accept the gospel.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt; margin: 14pt 0in;"><span face=""Arial",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial; mso-highlight: white;">Dear reader, make sure Jesus' death has
atoned for your sins because "God was in Christ, reconciling the world to
himself, no longer counting people's sins against them” (2 Corinthians 5:19).
Otherwise, you will forfeit God's gift, and accept the payment for your own
sins! </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-17833622974691032752023-06-02T04:00:00.000-07:002023-06-02T04:00:00.135-07:00THE SAFEST PLACE FOR A CHILD OF GOD<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6-12tYUAQ6BaPKkitRdRarQUkCMBQu5RPv9tc4cPGS1BTIMQ1BDprJozj4F9x8JdZR1l-mpvc2ZWc2DTfi5SRDjlA1UM6alkpwSJrvA3tQLijgN_cv9XQcg7-h3a6nkzfwwb9d0SoCViHhkc5s_Zdeqo-FUXQ_p2qmdjLazhT0oj3IO1ePn5Jgp2r" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="1280" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6-12tYUAQ6BaPKkitRdRarQUkCMBQu5RPv9tc4cPGS1BTIMQ1BDprJozj4F9x8JdZR1l-mpvc2ZWc2DTfi5SRDjlA1UM6alkpwSJrvA3tQLijgN_cv9XQcg7-h3a6nkzfwwb9d0SoCViHhkc5s_Zdeqo-FUXQ_p2qmdjLazhT0oj3IO1ePn5Jgp2r" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">When
disaster strikes, it is possible to avoid or reduce danger or injury, depending
on your location. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> For instance, during severe weather, the
public is instructed and encouraged to stay indoors, away from windows, and
hide in the basement if possible.</span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">For us, the children of God, we mustn’t wait for disaster to
strike before looking for cover; we must be in that safe place around the
clock. Why, and where is that safe place? That safe place is the center of
God’s will, and we need to be there because our enemy, the devil, tries to harm
or cause us to disobey our Father every chance he gets. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, where is the center of God’s will? The center of God’s will is
wherever He has instructed you to be at any given time; in other words, living
in obedience to Him. Yes, there could be dangers, difficulties, and heartache,
but if He put you there, nowhere is more secure. His instructions are backed by
His promises, like: “I will be your God throughout your lifetime—until your
hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you
along and save you” (Isaiah 46:4); “I will never fail you. I will never abandon
you. So we can say with confidence, ‘The Lord is my helper, so I will have no
fear” (Hebrews 13:5-6). And the Psalmist confidently says: “Even when I walk
through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me” (Psalm 23:4).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">With all these promises and assurances, we must gladly and
obediently follow the Lord. And while we are in that safe place, we must keep
on the whole armor of God to ensure victory over the enemy (see Ephesians
6:10-17). </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">So, is God calling you to a difficult or seemingly impossible
task? Claim His promises, trust His wisdom, protection, and provision, and go
in His strength to fulfill your duty. When difficulties arise while you are in
the center of God’s will, call on and trust Him for victory; He is the only one
you can trust to carry you through life’s ups and downs. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal">
</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> In the end, He will reward you for your obedience: “Well
done, my good and faithful servant. … Let’s celebrate together!” (Matthew 25:21).
Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-54689496440969464822023-05-26T04:00:00.001-07:002023-05-26T04:00:00.139-07:00 MAINTAIN YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMO3N8YSJshRz1Dt_o9a0qk3NlFR-hW_dHUN4BWWz5_HFWEuGPUvy_n7lDfEUuRdLNspEkwOz2WaorK3BTKXB8gmyatehef3Q2PHBkQkOzoEoyakMiWq8LsZj0bYQwNjzIgg7AuBk4q4xOMYv8rfObL8NT7FxZf4X3ItN1nm9MT8onf0w2oKDeLVlE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="194" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMO3N8YSJshRz1Dt_o9a0qk3NlFR-hW_dHUN4BWWz5_HFWEuGPUvy_n7lDfEUuRdLNspEkwOz2WaorK3BTKXB8gmyatehef3Q2PHBkQkOzoEoyakMiWq8LsZj0bYQwNjzIgg7AuBk4q4xOMYv8rfObL8NT7FxZf4X3ItN1nm9MT8onf0w2oKDeLVlE" width="180" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br />
A person's identity is who they are: what sets them apart. Who are you? Who do
you claim to be? Do people know you, and does their knowledge of you match who
you claim to be? Don't make room for them to assume who you are, and don't make
room for them to guess, but if they do guess, make it possible for them to
guess correctly. Just be who you are in Christ!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">For example, if you see an individual in a hospital with a
stethoscope around their neck, you could assume they are in the medical
profession. If you see an individual in a courtroom, wearing a robe, sitting
behind the bench, holding a gavel, you could safely assume they're the judge.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In our natural world, everyone has parents. So, it is in the
spiritual world. You either have God or Satan as your father. Do you call
yourself a child of God? If you do, then be a child of God. When you meet
people, do they notice something about you that causes them to assume or guess
you are a Christian, or are they uncertain? If they don't think you are a child
of God, you are left with only one other option: they must think you are a
child of the devil. But if you are a Christian, you are presenting the wrong
identity. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you became a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, it
should be evident to people around you. If you live a life of obedience to God,
you will, in essence, be saying you love Him (see John 14:15). On the other
hand, if you are living in disobedience, people can quickly assume you are not
a Christian, even if you claim to be one.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus is not interested in lip service, and He made that clear to
the disciples when He asked them, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and
do not what I say?" (Luke 6:46). When Jesus was warning against false
prophets, He said, "By their fruit you'll recognize them. Do people pick
grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree
bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad
fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit" (Matthew 7:16-18).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you are a child of God, the characteristics (fruit) you exhibit
should clearly indicate that you are His child. There is no better way of
demonstrating that you are a child of God than through obedience. The Bible
says, "Be holy for I (God) am holy." In other words, we should
exhibit His traits of holiness in the way we live.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Developing these traits is an ongoing effort. We will arrive at
holiness after some time. According to the apostle Paul, we must work at it
with fear and trembling (see Philippians 2:12). It takes meditation on God's
Word: allowing it to transform us into
His nature by renewing our minds. Then we will shine, as the Scripture says,
like stars in the universe (see Philippians 2:15).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Observing the disciples' lives, the Jewish leaders could
accurately conclude that they had been with Jesus. If we have been with Jesus,
it should be evident to others. Claiming to be a Christian and yet living as an
unbeliever is proof of an identity crisis. It means you are still determining
who you are.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A Christian should not live comfortably in sin. So, if you claim
to be a Christian but are living comfortably in sin, you must revisit God's
plan of salvation to ensure you are born again. We need to turn our backs on
worldliness and all appearances of evil. If we fall into sin, which we
occasionally do, we should quickly repent, confess, and seek forgiveness. That
is the mark of a Christian: the fear of evil and the concern for displeasing
God (see 1 John 1:9).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Are you experiencing an identity crisis? The cure for an identity
crisis is putting on the armor of God and keeping it on (see Ephesians
6:11-18), 24/7. You can overcome this crisis by determining to live a
God-pleasing life and then seeking the help of the Spirit to accomplish it.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-30821775895948286742023-05-19T04:00:00.001-07:002023-05-19T04:00:00.141-07:00THE SECOND STAGE OF SALVATION<p> </p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Salvation is the deliverance from the power and effects of sin by
God’s intervention through the death of His Son, Jesus. The Bible says we are
all sinners and therefore separated from God. If this separation continues
past this earthly life, it will become permanent, and we will spend eternity in
hell. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jesus took our sins on Himself to bridge that separation and died in our place. Anyone who puts their
faith in Jesus as their sin-bearer is forgiven (saved) and comes into a
personal relationship with God. “We are made right with God by placing our
faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter
who we are” (Romans 3:22). This, you might say, is the first stage of
salvation.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">One might ask, why is salvation in two stages? It’s in two parts
because becoming a child of God begins a lifetime of becoming more like Christ. During this process, we have to continue to live in this world, struggle with our
sinful nature, the devil, and the difficulties of this life, and win victories
that will gradually transform us (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). But
there’s coming a day when Jesus will usher us to our heavenly home. At this
point, our salvation will be complete. There’ll no longer be sin, evil,
temptations, pain, or suffering; they’ll all be gone forever, and we’ll be free
to serve our God and Father without hindrance from the devil and his agents. We
will reign with God forever.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">So, what should we do while waiting for the culmination of our
salvation? We should continue to grow spiritually and bear fruit. We should
grow in our knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord, living holy, godly, and
peaceful lives and looking forward to the Lord’s return (see 2 Peter 1:2;
3:11-14). We should also be mindful of the plight of the unsaved and do all we
can to share the gospel with them because the Lord does not want them to
perish, but to come to faith in Him and be saved, just as we’ve been.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">What we do should not be the result of our abilities. Instead, we should depend on God’s promises
and all He has made available through His divine power (see 2 Peter
1:3-4).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">When that day comes, we’ll have nothing to be ashamed of. Our new
home will take our breath away; we will be at a loss for words. Even so, Lord
Jesus, come! God will give us a grand entrance into His eternal kingdom (see 2
Peter 1:11). The amazing promises He has made should help us keep our eyes on
the prize, including a new heaven and a new earth, streets of gold, walls of
jasper, and gates of pearls; arriving at our new home will be the second and
final stage of our salvation. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-43030618185879915632023-05-12T04:00:00.001-07:002023-05-12T04:00:00.136-07:00 MAINTAIN YOUR IDENTITY IN CHRIST<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" class="placeholder" height="240" id="e8d669cbce329" src="https://www.blogger.com/img/transparent.gif" style="background-color: #d8d8d8; background-image: url('https://fonts.gstatic.com/s/i/materialiconsextended/insert_photo/v6/grey600-24dp/1x/baseline_insert_photo_grey600_24dp.png'); background-position: center; background-repeat: no-repeat; opacity: 0.6;" width="320" /></div><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;"><br /><br /></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A
person's identity is who they are, which sets them apart. Who are you? Who do you claim to be? Do people know you, and does their
knowledge of you match who you claim to be? Don't make room for them to assume
who you are, and don't make room for them to guess, but if they do guess, make
it possible for them to guess correctly. Just be who you are in Christ!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">For
example, if you see an individual with a stethoscope around their neck, you
could assume they are in the medical profession. If you see an individual in a courtroom, wearing a robe, sitting behind the bench, and holding a gavel, you could
safely assume they're the judge.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">In our
natural world, everyone has parents. So, it is in the spiritual world. You
either have God or Satan for your father. Do you call yourself a child of God? If
you do, then be a child of God. When you meet people, do they notice something
about you that causes them to assume or guess you are a Christian, or will they
be uncertain? If they don't think you are a child of God, you are left with
only one other option: they must think you are a child of the devil. But if you
are a Christian, you are presenting the wrong identity. What could be the cause of this discrepancy? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you
become a child of God through faith in Jesus Christ, your person should be evident to people around you. If you live a life of obedience to God,
you will, in essence, be saying you love Him (see John 14:15). On the other hand,
if you are living in disobedience, people can quickly assume you are not a
Christian, even if you claim to be one.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Jesus is
not interested in lip service, and He made that clear to the disciples when He
asked them, "Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and do not what I say?" (Luke
6:46). When Jesus was warning against false prophets, He said, "By their fruit
you'll recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thorn bushes, or figs from
thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad
fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good
fruit" (Matthew 7:16-18).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">If you
are a child of God, the characteristics (fruit) you exhibit should clearly indicate that you are His child. There is no better way of demonstrating that
you are a child of God than through obedience. The Bible says, "Be holy for I
(God) am holy." In other words, we should exhibit His traits of holiness in the
way we live.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Developing
those traits is an ongoing effort. We will arrive at holiness after some time.
According to the apostle Paul, we must work at it with fear and trembling
(see Philippians 2:12). It takes meditation on God's Word and allowing it to
transform us into His nature by renewing our minds. Then we will
shine, as the Scripture says, like stars in the universe (see Philippians
2:15).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18px;"> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Observing
the disciples' lives, the Jewish leaders could accurately conclude
that they had been with Jesus. If we have been with Jesus, it should be
evident to others. Claiming to be a Christian and yet living as an unbeliever
is proof of an identity crisis. It means one is still determining who they are.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">A Christian
should not live comfortably in sin. So, if you claim to be a Christian but
living comfortably in sin, you must revisit God's plan of salvation to ensure you are born again. We need to turn our backs on worldliness and all appearances of evil. If we fall into sin, which we occasionally do, we should quickly repent, confess, and seek forgiveness. That is the
mark of a Christian: the fear of evil and the concern for displeasing God (see 1
John 1:9).</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 14pt;">Are you
experiencing an identity crisis? You can overcome that crisis by determining to live a God-pleasing life and then seeking the help of the Spirit to accomplish it. The cure for identity crisis is: putting on the armor of God and keeping it on (see Ephesians 6:11-18), 24/7.</span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-29333802952271938352023-05-05T04:00:00.001-07:002023-05-05T04:00:00.140-07:00GOD LOVES TO BEQUEATH LEGACIES TO HIS PEOPLE<p> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlB99f6bymCSw7HCO1HkEGl3oWMFfqJkO1Hcyg4tEmfBpndim-0loR25RyiMtCrN026dPzUlwqfgcTueOIyFwX7ju0qydrHjkQ8lvkBp0JT1G5OuIT9yNSRtsRCo2e91msg2qtGv7Tgn9xEQF3tG46W1ySYMySKgu2_9QjcgTVs_D5nhsRWKs2sz8M" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="360" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjlB99f6bymCSw7HCO1HkEGl3oWMFfqJkO1Hcyg4tEmfBpndim-0loR25RyiMtCrN026dPzUlwqfgcTueOIyFwX7ju0qydrHjkQ8lvkBp0JT1G5OuIT9yNSRtsRCo2e91msg2qtGv7Tgn9xEQF3tG46W1ySYMySKgu2_9QjcgTVs_D5nhsRWKs2sz8M" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; text-align: left;">Bequeath transfers property from
one person to another, typically through a will or other legal document. One
has to be the owner of what they bequeath to another.</span></div></div>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">God has the authority to give away
whatever He wishes because "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it.
The world and all its people belong to him" (Psalm 24:1). And talking about
legality, God's Word is more trustworthy than legal documents from our courts and can be trusted fully.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Many years ago, God chose the Israelites
to be His people, beginning with Abraham and his descendants. From the beginning,
He promised them a possession, a land flowing with milk and honey that they did not build. He displaced the original dwellers and gave it to His
people as an inheritance.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">How about today? Today, He's created a
people for Himself by redeeming them from sin through the death of His Son,
Jesus: "God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like
the bodies we sinners have. And in that body, God declared an end to sin's
control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins" (Romans 8:3). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">To the redeemed, also known as the
Church, His Body, and His children, He has made innumerable promises for life
here on earth—provision, protection, healing, you name it. In addition to the
promises on earth, He has promised us an inheritance in heaven. The promises of
heaven are out of this world; our imagination cannot do them justice. And He
will be there with us around the clock! (See Revelation 21:3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; mso-line-height-alt: 11.75pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt;">Here's
John's description of what was revealed concerning our inheritance: A
new heaven and a new earth, and the holy city- the new Jerusalem. </span><span style="color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It's
a large city made of pure gold, as clear as glass, with walls of jasper (see
Rev 21:18). It shines with the glory of God and sparkles like a precious stone.
The gates are made of pearls, and the main street is pure gold, as clear as
glass (see Rev 21:21). There's a guardian angel at each of the twelve gates
(see Rev21:11-12). What an inheritance! </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Although we will worship
day and night, the city will have no temples because the Father and the Son
will be the temple. We won't need the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt;">sun or moon because God's glory will
illuminate it, the Son will be its light, and the gates will remain open
around the clock (see Rev 21:22-23, 25).</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">No matter how diligently one searches, there are things one cannot find in this
new city. Nothing evil, no one who
practices shameful idolatry, immorality, dishonesty, unbelievers, liars,
criminals, or cowards (see Rev 21:8, 27). In addition, there'll be no sickness,
crying, death, or pain (see Revelation 21:4).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">So, who is going to possess this
unimaginable place? The bride of Christ, of course-the Church, those whose
names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. We will be clothed in white, have
His name written on our foreheads, and worship Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Before Jesus came to earth to reconcile
us to God, God chose a nation through whom to accomplish His plans for the
world; He provided lavishly for them. After salvation through Jesus became
available, He decided that all who believed in Him would become his children for whom He
prepared this great inheritance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Dear reader, if you don't inherit heaven,
there'll be only one other place to inherit--hell. Hell is the exact opposite of
heaven; the devil and his agents and all those whose names are not written in
the Lamb's Book of Life will be there, and there'll be torment and gnashing of
teeth that goes on forever. At that point, it will be too late to do anything
different; you'll be in hell to stay. Think about it, and call on Jesus today
before it is too late. I invite you to pray the prayer below:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"> </span></i><i><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-highlight: white;">"Dear God,
I know I'm a sinner, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is
Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that you raised Him to life. I
want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward.
Guide my life and help me to do your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus.
Amen."</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Jesus promised: "Look, I am coming soon!"
(See Rev 22:7). Let's look forward to His return when He will make all His
promises about our inheritance good. And as we look forward to His return, let's
walk in obedience to His Word and make disciples.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-51716348033300838192023-04-28T04:00:00.001-07:002023-04-28T04:00:00.164-07:00SECURE AN ADVOCATE BEFORE THE VERDICT<p> <span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDxj3dn18qOpYyiJagYeat3vq7wlrlVRa6J6OKo6SB5iJvaUAF1dlkuOulDe55qhn7ntCwHGFqsJcOSQQyR2TIbJjrwA2NRGA4F9AKEIy3LHtfdtNSy_TEx3lEfx_i4m31_YH0Q6ZDFaN4XFdkjDJu9gJ80o0TZMqfWZx-eDrCibbgeXTOI5fppcfZ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDxj3dn18qOpYyiJagYeat3vq7wlrlVRa6J6OKo6SB5iJvaUAF1dlkuOulDe55qhn7ntCwHGFqsJcOSQQyR2TIbJjrwA2NRGA4F9AKEIy3LHtfdtNSy_TEx3lEfx_i4m31_YH0Q6ZDFaN4XFdkjDJu9gJ80o0TZMqfWZx-eDrCibbgeXTOI5fppcfZ" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Who would wait to find a lawyer until after the judge has
pronounced the verdict? Shouldn't one look for a lawyer of good repute to
defend them If they have a pending court case? I would! What good would it do to secure a lawyer after the judge pronounced guilt and announced
punishment? None whatsoever!</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">By the same token, what good would it do to wait until it's too
late to call on Jesus for salvation? God has declared we are all sinners and
deserve to die (an eternity in hell) unless we ask for and accept Jesus as our
sin-bearer. Waiting indefinitely would not help anyone in this situation.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">You might wonder when it will be too late to accept Jesus' offer
for salvation. It will be too late when you can no longer ask when you are
dead or not in the right frame of mind to ask. The Scriptures admonish us to respond as soon as we
hear the gospel: "Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in
the rebellion" (Hebrews 3:7,1 5). Please don't say too quickly to yourself that you're young; you might be young, but death doesn't wait until you're a particular age.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Jesus came the first time to save us, and He accomplished that. He
is coming a second time, but this time as a judge: "He will come with his
mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don't know God
and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be
punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from his glorious power"
(2 Thessalonians 1:8-9). Someday, you will stand before the judgment seat of
Christ to be judged and condemned unless you have become a child of God
through Jesus.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">So, what are you going to do with this knowledge? Call on Jesus
today for salvation, and He will forgive your sins and put His Holy Spirit into
your heart as confirmation that you're saved, and will write your name in the
Lamb's Book of life (see Revelation 3:5). I encourage you to pray the prayer
below sincerely:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-highlight: white;">"Dear God,
I know I'm a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is
Your Son. I believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I
want to trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Open Sans"; font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-highlight: white;"> from this day <i>forward. Guide my life and help me to do
Your will. I pray this in Jesus' name. Amen."</i><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-highlight: white;">Did you pray the prayer above? Welcome, then, into God's family, the Church!
As a child of God, read your Bible and pray daily. May God help you obey what you read and find a local Bible-believing church for
fellowship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-highlight: white;">Now that you're a child of God, you'll have no fear of
judgment; eternity in heaven awaits you, where you'll see Jesus face to face</span><span style="color: #404040; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: "Open Sans"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> and never have to worry
about sickness or death again.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-46666036806804041172023-04-21T04:00:00.002-07:002023-04-21T04:00:00.226-07:00 DIVIDE and CONQUER<p> </p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiInizPy5WLjTfEEP6JbcMF_k_1RTFKWX-Mks4y_lCWDwoCXyqTCAEk8RqfgBxRaHA2FRtXLJPFxTcbeH2O779It3_Cs6duGE0wcsvTWv7xQ-yQjdPeUx8uZvX_rwm2rTsdSmj-ZK9QMN-O7y3EmbL0X1XXiVLOe7r9V6ITROzvcI9aAQ8-rDa_MRXD" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="360" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiInizPy5WLjTfEEP6JbcMF_k_1RTFKWX-Mks4y_lCWDwoCXyqTCAEk8RqfgBxRaHA2FRtXLJPFxTcbeH2O779It3_Cs6duGE0wcsvTWv7xQ-yQjdPeUx8uZvX_rwm2rTsdSmj-ZK9QMN-O7y3EmbL0X1XXiVLOe7r9V6ITROzvcI9aAQ8-rDa_MRXD" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; mso-highlight: white;">Divide and
conquer</span></span></i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"> is the policy of
maintaining control over one's subordinates or subjects by encouraging dissent. This adage clearly demonstrates, "There is strength in
numbers." Because when unity is lost, the accompanying strength is lost as
well. Yet another proverb teaches the same lesson: "United we stand;
divided we fall." All these are factual statements that, when put into action, can
result in chaos and defeat. This is one of Satan's tools, and he uses it
against the Church quite often, unfortunately, with much success.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Do you know people who hop from Church to
Church, unable to call any particular church their home church? Why does that
happen so often? Why aren't people happy with 'their church'? They make excuses:
they didn't like someone or something in a particular church, someone offended
them, their needs were not being met, or their suggestions were not taken
seriously, just to name a few. The devil uses all these excuses to break down
relationships in the Church, and we become powerless in prayer because we
regard so much iniquity in our hearts (see Psalm 66:18). We hold our hurts
inside, give people the silent treatment, and think we are doing Church. O
shame, thrice shame upon us, Christian brethren, for allowing the devil to gain
so much ground.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;"> This morning, reading Psalm 141, I was
fascinated with verse 5: "Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If
they correct me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it." I believe
that's what the Church needs today; we need to accept correction
with gratitude and rebuke and correct each other with kindness and respect.
The Church is God's; if we focus on His glory alone, we won't allow our
emotions to run wild. It's time to settle down and play our given role in the
Body of Christ. And, if something goes wrong, which, given time, it will, let's
address it with the right people in the right way (see Matthew 18:15-17). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Jesus knows the power of unity. After
all, He is in unity with the Father and the Holy Spirit as the Godhead, and
they work together as One! They have no internal fighting; there is always harmony
in their relationship, and they are each other's promoters. They never do
anything contrary to the will or desire of the other. They created the world
together and supervised its workings jointly. Before His death, Jesus prayed
for His disciples (the then-current, and the future ones, including us),
"Protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we
are" (John 17:11). "Just as we are," He prayed! How powerful! For
Christians to succeed at what they undertake to do collectively, they have to
agree and be united. No wonder Jesus taught, "If two of you agree here on earth
concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where
two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them" (Matthew
18:19-20). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Likewise, Satan knows the power of unity,
not because he is one with anybody, but because He sees the Father, Son, and
Holy Spirit at work and knows how powerful and effective they are in all they
do. That, of course, is why he does not want interconnected families or unity
in the Church. His goal is to turn believers against each other, creating
chaos so they lose focus on their calling and responsibility toward each other
and the unbelieving world. When we allow infighting and division in the Church, group unity is lost, leading to defeat. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Can you imagine what great works the
Church could accomplish if we were united? If we didn't have gossip,
backstabbing, backbiting, resentment, pride, arrogance, and "better than thou"
attitudes in the Church, what victories we'd experience as the body of Christ! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">We should guard against such problems by
obeying the command, "Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other,
making allowance for each other's faults because of your love. Make every
effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together
with peace" (Ephesians 4:2-3). We are also commanded to "Get rid of all evil
behavior. Be done with all deceit, hypocrisy, jealousy, and all unkind speech"
(1 Peter 2:1). <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Why does Satan attack Christian
marriages? Because the Christian family is a Church in itself and a member of
a local and the universal Church. Couples have disagreements about finances, child discipline, you name it. If he succeeds in
instigating controversy, he gets the upper hand. And even if the controversy
does not lead to separation or divorce, he has still succeeded in turning the
couple against each other. When there's chaos in the home, praying or studying
the Word together would be impossible or ineffective. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p>
</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%; mso-highlight: white;">Church, let's stay alert and not allow
the enemy to divide us. If we allow him to divide us, we've given him
permission to derail us and hinder the work of God through us. The biblical
solution to this dilemma is for us to "Show sincere love to each other as
brothers and sisters" and "Love each other deeply with all our heart" (1 Peter
1:22). May God help us! <o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-765131605117229273.post-46354866244134573672023-04-14T04:00:00.002-07:002023-04-14T04:00:00.219-07:00 MAKING INFORMED DECISIONS IS CRUCIAL<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7iUMMT7s6N22j2V8iV9H6dSRlptRWSWiszGzik3pd8HP2UtPpPFOGFHPLT01ayN3SgA9TBgt0QpoGgt4yMIS7HiLULt21taV-Gbk_b-w3LZIvjLOO9WaFUq2BZ4QtnDUtaRtFaLu5k_4WF0u1gODZCGko1w7EkrMEd7ZGFJNUBhHBdHtyQY1TBe9m" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7iUMMT7s6N22j2V8iV9H6dSRlptRWSWiszGzik3pd8HP2UtPpPFOGFHPLT01ayN3SgA9TBgt0QpoGgt4yMIS7HiLULt21taV-Gbk_b-w3LZIvjLOO9WaFUq2BZ4QtnDUtaRtFaLu5k_4WF0u1gODZCGko1w7EkrMEd7ZGFJNUBhHBdHtyQY1TBe9m" width="320" /></a></div><br /><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">More and more, it's becoming necessary to consent to the services we receive.
Do you need a medical procedure, online services, etc.? Then be ready to sign a
piece of paper to grant consent; first, they give you information to explain what you agree or disagree with. That kind of consent
is called informed consent-implying you know precisely what you're getting
into.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Similarly, we must consent to what will happen to us regarding our
sins. Whether or not we know and agree, we are each accountable to God. He has
given us two options for how we want our sins to be treated. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Before you tell yourself you are not as sinful as others, you
must know what the Bible (the Word of God) says. It says: "No one is
righteous—not even one. No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God. All have
turned away; all have become useless. No one does good, not a single one"
(Romans 3:10-12).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">You might ask why we are in this predicament. It's because we are
descendants of sinners (Adam and Eve). They sinned by believing Satan's lie and
acting on it, thereby disobeying God; their sinful nature and the consequences
of their sin (separation between God and man) were passed on to us, their
descendants (see Genesis 3).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Being kind and loving, God has provided His Son, Jesus, to take
on the penalty of our sins through death. This is what we know so far:</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We
are all sinners,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God hates sin and has separated
Himself from us. But, being so kind,</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He has made Jesus our
substitute to take on our punishment to restore our relationship with
Him. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">So, in the matter of sin, we have a decision to make; one can
either choose to pay for their own sin (remain separated from God) or accept
Jesus' death as payment for their sin and therefore regain a relationship with
God: "To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to
become children of God. They are reborn-not with a physical birth resulting
from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God" (John
1:12-13).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Dear reader, you have the decision to make: now that you have all
the facts to base your decision on, which option appeals to you? Also, know
that time is not on your side; once you die, you've missed the opportunity, and
by default, you will remain eternally separated from God, which means an eternity
in hell. In addition, know that no one else can make that decision for you; the prayers and nice things said at your funeral won't change your
destination. Consider this passage: "There is no judgment against anyone
who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been
judged for not believing in God's one and only Son" (John
3:18). <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">Informed decisions exonerate the individuals enforcing the rule.
Therefore no one can blame God for going to hell; they chose hell by not
choosing heaven through faith in Jesus. If you are reading this, you still have
time, but not long. This is the day of salvation; don't procrastinate. God
loves you but will not force you to choose one way or another; He says to all
of us: "Today, I have given you the choice between life and death, between
blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you
make. Oh, that you would choose life" (Deuteronomy 30:19).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;">If you'd like Jesus to be your substitute, repent of your sin
and ask God for forgiveness through the work of His Son, Jesus. Call on Jesus today to ensure you'll have life in heaven at the end of this life. You can pray
the prayer below sincerely:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">Dear God, I know I'm a
sinner, and ask for Your forgiveness. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I
believe that He died for my sin and that You raised Him to life. I want to
trust Him as my Savior and follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my
life and help me to do Your will. I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen."</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">If you've accepted Jesus'
death in your place and have prayed, welcome into the family of God! You are
now His child; as confirmation, He has put His Holy Spirit into your heart.
Live as a child of God by following what He says in the Bible, reading and
praying daily, and obeying what he tells you. Obeying the Word of God gradually
changes you (see 2 Corinthians 5:17). Next, find a local Bible-believing church
for fellowship and growth in your relationship with God.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 14.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 14.0pt;"><span style="background: white; color: #404040; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 13.5pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-highlight: white;">God bless you and your new
life!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>Pearl Nsiah-Kumihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12168220259634726994noreply@blogger.com0